Wales international Gareth Delve has re-signed with Super Rugby team Melbourne Rebels for the 2013 season.

Delve joined the Rebels on a two-year contract ahead of their first season in 2011 and in doing so he became the first Welshman to play Super Rugby. Since then he has played 28 times and scored four tries. In his first season in Melbourne he also became the first foreign player to captain a Super Rugby side when he led the team out against the Highlanders.

"I am thrilled to sign on for another year," Delve said. "I believe this club is moving in the right direction and now I can continue to be a part of that. There was always an element of risk associated with the move, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Melbourne. From a rugby perspective, playing against the world's best week in and week out has been great for the development of my game. It was always going to be a massive challenge, but I am very happy I came to Australia to play in this competition. I love playing alongside the lads and look forward to the opportunity to push for a finals berth with them in 2013."

The former Bath and Gloucester number 8 was recently called into the Wales squad during their tour of Australia, but didn't feature in any of the three-Tests. His last appearance for Wales came in the 2010 Six Nations when he came off the bench against Italy.

His experience will be crucial to the Rebels next year after captain Stirling Mortlock recently announced that he is retiring at the end of the season.

"Over the past two years Gareth has shown what a fantastic player and wonderful ambassador he is for our club, Rebels' chief executive Steve Boland said. "His leadership has also been outstanding and given the upcoming retirement of our captain Stirling Mortlock, Gareth will once again be an important part of our leadership group next year."